Brief Description

Spamta.LJ is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files.

It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy:
email addresses.

It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out:

In the affected computer:
it converts the computer into a platform for taking malicious action surreptitiously: spam sending, launch of Denial of Service attacks, malware distribution, etc.

In the local network:
it generates a large amount of network activity and consumes bandwidth.

On remote sites: it mass mails junk mail (spam).

It reduces the security level of the computer:
it terminates processes belonging to security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, leaving the computer defenseless against attacks from other malware; it changes the security settings of Internet Explorer, decreasing its security level.

It uses techniques included in its code to hide itself while it is active.

It terminates processes corresponding to several security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, to prevent detection.

It modifies system permissions in order to hide itself.

It uses several methods in order to avoid detection by antivirus companies:

It terminates its own execution if it detects that it is being executed in a virtual machine environment, such as VMWare or VirtualPC.

It terminates its own execution if it detects that a memory dump program is running, such as Procdump.

It terminates its own execution if it detects that a debugging program is active.

Spamta.LJ uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.

Email: sending emails that include a copy of itself as an attachment. The computer is infected when the attachment is run.